HUNDREDS of delighted patients from across Coventry and Warwickshire are looking forward to 2007 after surgeons notched up a 100 per cent success rate for kidney transplants.

This year has been the most successful ever at the University Hospital, Walsgrave, which has firmly staked its place as the top UK kidney transplant centre.

Surgeons carried out 48 transplants in 2006 and also clocked up their 100th operation in a row with no complications.

And thanks to the work of the renal unit over the past few years 350 people across the country have enjoyed a dialysis-free Christmas this year.

One reason why Coventry's surgeons are so highly rated is that they have perfected a new "blood washing" procedure, to remove harmful antibodies from kidneys and allow almost anyone to be a donor. And 35 of the 48 transplants carried out in 2006 used a donated kidney from a living relative or friend of the patient.

Dr Rob Higgins, consultant kidney specialist at the hospital, said the hospital had seen its most successful year ever for kidney transplant operations.

He said: "We've done more transplants this year than ever before, in total 35 were from live donors and 13 from deceased donors.

"There are 350 people across the country who have enjoyed Christmas without worrying about dialysis following operations carried out in Coventry.

"We've carried out 100 transplants in a row without any complications, and so far every kidney we've transplanted this year is functioning well.

"Instead of dying from kidney failure people can now lead normal, productive lives."

Dr Higgins said there were still many people who did not know suitable donors and urged people to join the national donor register.

To find out more about organ donation telephone 0845 60 60 400, or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk.